StarCity Baconfest

Drop us a line...

Bacon-inspired Goodies Draw Big Crowds to Star City BaconFest 2016

Lincoln, NE (April 26, 2016)– If you want to draw a big crowd, tell them you’ll be serving bacon.

Star City BaconFest 2016 proved this theory again this year as about 600 bacon lovers packed the Cornhusker Marriott on Sunday, April 24 to sample bacon-infused treats created by 25 of Lincoln’s leading chefs. Attendees sampled a variety of savory and sweet creations, including bacon-inspired cupcakes, bacon-laced krispy bars and cookies, and even ice cream.

The annual event, sponsored by the Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) and the Nebraska Restaurant Association (NRA), benefits culinary students in the state by providing over $5,000 in scholarships through the NRA’s Hospitality Education Foundation.

BaconFest attendees were asked to vote for their favorite bacony treats. Winners were:

First place: Venue, for its Harissa Braised Pork Slider with baconnaise, wild ramp kimchee, and crispy pecan bacon; Second place: Hickory Road BBQ, for its Pork Burnt End topped with Spicy Candied Bacon; and third place: Coops Corner, for its Bacon Ice Cream.

Music to eat bacon by was provided by popular area band, “The Lightning Bugs.”

“Participating vendors and their very creative chefs really made the evening,” said Brandy Nielson, membership and marketing coordinator with the Nebraska Restaurant Association. “They created many bacon-based treats that were definitely outside the box and were enjoyed by everyone. And thanks, too, to Hormel for providing all the bacon used by the chefs.”

“Bacon is the ideal way to promote Nebraska-produced pork products,” said Jane Stone, the NPPA’s domestic marketing director, because it’s everyone’s favorite. Star City BaconFest has become a drawing card for all the bacon lovers in our area. There were a lot of happy faces making the rounds of the vendors’ booths.”